Methodist Local Preacher - Discipline, Training and Accreditation of Local Preachers Today

Discipline, Training and Accreditation of Local Preachers Today

Local Preachers in British Methodism, together with their colleagues in the ordained ministry, are members of the Preachers' Meeting of the Circuit in which their membership is held. The Local Preachers' Meeting used to meet quarterly, though in many Circuits it is now less often. The Meeting is the body which is responsible for the training and development of Local Preachers, for their pastoral care in this specific role and also for the discipline (should that be necessary) of its own members. It functions also as a study and fellowship group, and as a focus for continuing development of fully accredited Local Preachers. The standing of a Local Preacher, however, is national not local and, for example, is not affected by removal to another church or Circuit - though it is always up to the superintendent minister whether any preacher is given any appointments.

Currently, the training for local preachers in the U.K. consists of a course supported by local tutors, with examination on its content by continuous assessment rather than unseen examination. The course (Faith & Worship) is organised on a connexional (national) basis, but all other aspects of the training and examination of preachers are dealt with at the local (Circuit) level.

Those offering themselves for training first ask for a note to preach from the superintendent minister of their Circuit which is given at his or her sole discretion and reported to the Preachers' Meeting. The new preacher is then listed as On note, begins a course of study and practical training (which takes between two and five years to complete), and begins to accompany an accredited preacher and share in the leadership of worship.

After some months, provided favourable reports are received at the Circuit Preachers' Meeting, they then progress to being On Trial. Local Preachers On Trial still work at first with an experienced preacher, but in due course they progress to leading worship on their own. The Preachers' Meeting continues to appoint preachers and other local officers to audit their services, make reports and offer guidance. The Meeting carries out an oral doctrinal examination at the beginning of training, at intermediate points, and before the final acceptance of the candidate as an accredited preacher. The candidate must also give an account of their Call to Preach, and are expected to have knowledge of some of the most important of the Sermons of the Rev. John Wesley. Final admission as a Local Preacher is referred to as being fully accredited or received onto full plan, the Circuit Plan being the schedule of preaching appointments for the Circuit. The decision is formally ratified by the Circuit Meeting before it is put into effect. A Service of Recognition is held, often within the context of a principal act of worship.

All candidates for ordination as a presbyter in the Methodist Church in Great Britain (or the Methodist Church in Ireland) are required to be admitted as Local Preachers before they can be accepted as candidates or begin their training.

In the United States, Local Pastor candidates attend a Local Pastors Licensing School. Such schools are offered by Annual Conferences or sometimes by Jurisdictions of the United Methodist Church.